Which of the following best illustrates a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

• A. Having delusional beliefs
• B. Displaying disorganized speech
• C. Flat affect, or a lack of emotional expression
• D. Experiencing auditory hallucinations

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that schizophrenia symptoms are generally categorized into positive and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms add abnormal behaviors, while negative symptoms reflect a loss or decrease of normal functions.
2. Identify examples of positive symptoms: delusional beliefs, disorganized speech, and auditory hallucinations are all positive symptoms because they represent an excess or distortion of normal functions.
3. Recognize that negative symptoms involve reductions in emotional expression, motivation, or social engagement. Flat affect, which is a lack of emotional expression, is a classic example of a negative symptom.
4. Compare each option to these definitions: since flat affect represents a decrease in normal emotional expression, it best fits the category of negative symptoms.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is the option describing flat affect, as it illustrates a negative symptom of schizophrenia.